Supremacy of Jaṭharāgni
There are many different agnis (fires, enzyme) in the body and mind. Ayurvedic students study the five bhutuagnis that reside in the liver and seven dhatuagnis that reside in the tissues. All play an important role in maintaining the health of the body. However, it is the jatharagni that is supreme among them all. What happens to the jatharagni, affects all other agnis.
Jaṭharāgni is the main digestive fire. Jaṭhara means stomach or abdomen. The agni that resides here controls all the fires of the body and mind. If it rises, so do the others. If it is diminished, so are the others. Hence, if digestion is healthy, the rest of the body has the best chance of being healthy. So does the mind. If digestion is not healthy, the rest of the body and mind can not be healthy.
In Ayurveda, optimal health of the body begins with healthy digestion!
Based in part on Caraka Samhita, Cikitssthana XV 38-41. Classes at the California College of Ayurveda begin year round. For more information, check out our website: ayurvedacollege.com. Be well, Be kind, Be love!